First Claim

1. A computer-implemented method performed by a mobile device, the method comprising:

accessing, by the mobile device, a notification service on a server separate from the mobile device, the notification service hosting a plurality of command collection topics, where a distinct mobile device is subscribed to each command collection topic;

accessing, by the mobile device, a command collection topic hosted on the notification service and subscribed to by the mobile device;

polling, by the mobile device, the command collection topic subscribed to by the mobile device to determine that one or more new remote command messages have been received by the command collection topic subscribed to by the mobile device;

retrieving, by the mobile device, in response to the determining that one or more new remote command messages have been received by the command collection topic, at least one of the one or more new remote command messages included in the command collection topic subscribed to by the mobile device, wherein the one or more new remote command messages identify commands to be executed by the mobile device;

determining, by the mobile device, whether the command identified by the retrieved remote command message can be executed by the mobile device;

publishing, by the mobile device, a result message associated with the command to a result topic hosted on the notification service; and

selectively executing, by the mobile device, the command based on a result of the determining.

1 Assignment

0 Petitions

Accused Products

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatus are presented for processing a remote command message. In one aspect, a method includes accessing a subscribed topic hosted on a notification service, the subscribed topic corresponding to a mobile device, retrieving a remote command message included in the subscribed topic that identifies a command to be executed by the mobile device, determining whether the command can be executed by the mobile device, publishing a result message associated with the command, and executing, by the mobile device, the command based on the determining. Publishing the result message further can include identifying in the remote command message a result topic corresponding to the notification service and publishing the result message to the identified result topic. Additionally, the subscribed topic can be uniquely associated with the mobile device.

Internet-based brand management and marketing commuication instrumentation network for deploying, installing and remotely programming brand-building server-side driven multi-mode virtual kiosks on the World Wide Web (WWW), and methods of brand marketing communication between brand marketers and consumers using the same

Map information processing device, its system, its method, its program, recording medium storing the program, position information display device, its method, its program and recording medium storing the program

28 Claims

1. A computer-implemented method performed by a mobile device, the method comprising:

accessing, by the mobile device, a notification service on a server separate from the mobile device, the notification service hosting a plurality of command collection topics, where a distinct mobile device is subscribed to each command collection topic;

accessing, by the mobile device, a command collection topic hosted on the notification service and subscribed to by the mobile device;

polling, by the mobile device, the command collection topic subscribed to by the mobile device to determine that one or more new remote command messages have been received by the command collection topic subscribed to by the mobile device;

retrieving, by the mobile device, in response to the determining that one or more new remote command messages have been received by the command collection topic, at least one of the one or more new remote command messages included in the command collection topic subscribed to by the mobile device, wherein the one or more new remote command messages identify commands to be executed by the mobile device;

determining, by the mobile device, whether the command identified by the retrieved remote command message can be executed by the mobile device;

publishing, by the mobile device, a result message associated with the command to a result topic hosted on the notification service; and

selectively executing, by the mobile device, the command based on a result of the determining.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the command collection topic subscribed to by the mobile device includes a plurality of command nodes, where each command node corresponds to a distinct remote command type and the at least one remote command message is retrieved from one of the plurality of command nodes.

accessing a notification service on a server separate from the mobile device, the notification service hosting a plurality of command collection topics, where a distinct mobile device is subscribed to each command collection topic;

accessing a command collection topic hosted on the notification service and subscribed to by the mobile device;

polling the command collection topic subscribed to by the mobile device to determine that one or more new remote command messages have been received by the command collection topic subscribed to by the mobile device;

retrieving, in response to the determining that one or more new remote command messages have been received by the command collection topic, at least one of the one or more new remote command messages included in the command collection topic subscribed to by the mobile device, wherein the one or more new remote command messages identify commands to be executed by the mobile device;

determining whether the command identified by the retrieved remote command message is supported and enabled by the mobile device;

publishing a result message associated with the command to a result topic hosted on the notification service; and

selectively executing, based on the result of the determining, the command to generate output associated with the mobile device.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the command collection topic subscribed to by the mobile device includes a plurality of command nodes, where each command node corresponds to a distinct remote command type and the at least one remote command message is retrieved from one of the plurality of command nodes.

19. A mobile device comprising:

processor electronics;

a storage medium storing instructions executable by the processor electronics to cause the processor electronics to;

establish a connection to a notification service on a server separate from the mobile device, the notification service hosting a plurality of command collection topics, where a distinct mobile device is subscribed to each command collection topic;

access a command collection topic hosted on the notification service and subscribed to by the mobile device;

poll the command collection topic subscribed to by the mobile device to determine that one or more new remote command messages have been received by the command collection topic subscribed to by the mobile device;

retrieve, in response to the determining that one or more new remote command messages have been received by the command collection topic, at least one of the one or more new remote command messages included in the command collection topic subscribed to by the mobile device, wherein the one or more new remote command messages identify commands to be executed by the mobile device;

execute a command identified by the retrieved remote command message;

identify in the remote command message a result topic hosted on the notification service; and

publish a result message associated with the command to the identified result topic hosted on the notification service.

28. The mobile device of claim 19, wherein the command collection topic subscribed to by the mobile device includes a plurality of command nodes, where each command node corresponds to a distinct remote command type and the at least one remote command message is retrieved from one of the plurality of command nodes.

The present disclosure relates to remotely communicating with a mobile device, such as a mobile telephone or a media player, and to causing the mobile device to perform a function through the transmission of one or more remote commands.

Mobile devices have been adapted to a wide variety of applications, including computing, communication, and entertainment. For example, mobile telephones permit users to freely initiate and receive voice communications. Similarly, mobile media devices have been developed to permit users to take electronic entertainment, including audio, video, and electronic games, to even the most remote location. Further, mobile computing devices have been developed to provide users with remote access to data communications through wireless connectivity, such as over IEEE 802.11 or 3G networks. Some mobile devices, such as smart phones, support a combination of voice communications, entertainment, and mobile computing.

Because mobile devices are sized for portability, they easily can be misplaced. Also, because mobile devices often are carried to many different locations, they can be forgotten or lost. Further, because of their convenience and portability, mobile devices often are used to store a large amount of personal data. For example, a mobile device can be used to store an entire address book of contact information, electronic mail and text messages relating to business and personal matters, account information, one or more galleries of images, and a library of music. Thus, the loss of a mobile device also can incur the loss of a substantial amount of data, including sensitive personal data.

Ownership of a mobile device can be indicated in a number of ways. For example, owners can mark a mobile device with identifying information, such as a name, address, or telephone number. The mobile device can be marked physically, such as through a label or an engraving, or electronically, such as through registration information stored on the mobile device. Further, with respect to mobile telephones, an attempt can be made to recover a lost device. For example, a user can call a lost mobile telephone to speak with a finder who is willing to answer. If the finder is honest, the mobile telephone can be returned to the rightful owner. However, mobile devices and the services they provide access to often are valuable and a mobile device thus may not be returned if lost or may be intentionally stolen.

To prevent the data stored on a lost mobile device from being compromised, the data can be protected against unauthorized access in a variety of ways. For example, access to the data and/or applications can be protected through login credentials, such as a system password. The mobile device can block any access or functionality until the correct login information is supplied. Further, file encryption can be linked to a security password, such that files remain encrypted until the correct login information is supplied. A mobile device also can be locked after multiple unsuccessful attempts at access to prevent hacking. For example, a mobile device can be configured such that repeated password failures lock the mobile device to prevent any further use. Alternatively, a service provider can be contacted to disable further use of the mobile device, such as by deactivating a corresponding account.

A mobile device can be remotely contacted and commanded to perform one or more operations, such as through the transmission of a message to the device. Further, before the mobile device is lost, it can be configured to support one or more remote commands. The remote commands supported can be selectively enabled by the mobile device owner. A mobile device also can support one or more remote commands by default.

The transmission of one or more remote commands to the mobile device can be initiated from a networked computing device, such as through a web service. The mobile device also can confirm receipt of one or more remote commands and can acknowledge that an associated operation or instruction has been or will be executed. For example, messages can be transmitted to and from the mobile device through a notification service implemented using a publish-subscribe (“PubSub”) framework.

The present inventors recognized a need to allow a mobile device owner to remotely issue one or more commands to the mobile device, including commands used to present a message or sound on the mobile device, or to wipe or locate the mobile device. Further, the need to receive one or more messages from the mobile device acknowledging and/or responding to a remote command also was recognized. The present inventors also recognized the need to provide a web-based application configured to facilitate remote management of one or more mobile devices.

The present inventors also recognized the need to allow reconfiguring a mobile device to alter or disable support for one or more remote commands. Further, the need for the mobile device to automatically retrieve command messages also was recognized. Also, the present inventors recognized the need to permit transmitting multiple remote commands to a mobile device, such as a locate command and a message command. Additionally, the present inventors recognized the need to permit disassociating a mobile device from a remote management account, such as when ownership of the mobile device changes. Accordingly, the techniques and apparatus described here implement algorithms for remotely communicating with a mobile device to cause the mobile device to perform functions through the transmission of one or more remote commands.

In general, in one aspect, the techniques can be implemented to include accessing a subscribed topic hosted on a notification service, the subscribed topic corresponding to a mobile device, retrieving a remote command message included in the subscribed topic that identifies a command to be executed by the mobile device, determining whether the command can be executed by the mobile device, publishing a result message associated with the command, and executing, by the mobile device, the command based on the determining.

The techniques also can be implemented such that publishing the result message further includes identifying in the remote command message a result topic corresponding to the notification service and publishing the result message to the identified result topic. Further, the techniques can be implemented such that determining whether the command can be executed further includes determining whether the command is supported by the mobile device and determining whether the command is enabled on the mobile device. Additionally, the techniques can be implemented such that the subscribed topic is uniquely associated with the mobile device.

The techniques also can be implemented such that the command is a locate command. Further, the techniques can be implemented to include determining one or more geographic coordinates indicating a location of the mobile device and including the one or more geographic coordinates in the result message. Additionally, the techniques can be implemented to include publishing the result message in substantially real-time.

In general, in another aspect, the techniques can be implemented as a computer program product, encoded on a computer-readable medium, operable to cause data processing apparatus to perform operations including accessing a subscribed topic hosted on a notification service, the subscribed topic corresponding to a mobile device, retrieving a remote command message included in the subscribed topic that identifies a command to be executed by the mobile device, determining whether the command is supported and enabled by the mobile device, and executing, based on the determining, the command to generate output associated with the mobile device.

The techniques also can be implemented to be further operable to cause data processing apparatus to perform operations including identifying in the remote command message a result topic corresponding to the notification service and publishing a message indicating a result of the command to the identified result topic. Additionally the techniques can be implemented to be further operable to cause data processing apparatus to perform operations including supplying authentication credentials associated with the mobile device to the notification service. Further, the techniques can be implemented such that the command is a locate command. Also, the techniques can be implemented to be further operable to cause data processing apparatus to perform operations including determining one or more geographic coordinates indicating a location of the mobile device and inserting the one or more geographic coordinates into the result message.

The techniques also can be implemented to be further operable to cause data processing apparatus to perform operations including establishing a connection to the notification service over a wireless data connection. Additionally, the techniques can be implemented to be further operable to cause data processing apparatus to perform operations including extracting, from the remote command message, a command parameter for use in executing the command.

In general, in another aspect, the subject matter can be implemented as a system including a server hosting a notification service and a mobile device including processor electronics configured to perform operations including: establishing a connection to the notification service, accessing a subscribed topic hosted on the notification service, the subscribed topic corresponding to the mobile device, retrieving a remote command message included in the subscribed topic that identifies a command to be executed, and executing the command.

The techniques also can be implemented such that the processor electronics are further configured to perform operations including identifying in the remote command message a result topic corresponding to the notification service and publishing a result message to the identified result topic. Additionally, the techniques can be implemented such that the processor electronics are further configured to perform operations including determining that the command is enabled on the mobile device. Further, the techniques can be implemented such that the command is a locate command. Also, the techniques can be implemented such that the processor electronics are further configured to perform operations including retrieving one or more geographic coordinates from a location processor included in the mobile device and generating a result message including the one or more retrieved geographic coordinates.

The techniques also can be implemented such that the processor electronics are further configured to perform operations including establishing a connection to the notification service over a wireless data connection. Additionally, the techniques can be implemented such that the processor electronics are further configured to perform operations including presenting, in response to executing the command, a message on a display of the mobile device. Further, the techniques can be implemented such that the processor electronics are further configured to perform operations including outputting, in response to executing the command, an alert including one or more sounds to a speaker included in the mobile device. Also, the techniques can be implemented such that the processor electronics are further configured to perform operations including deleting, in response to executing the command, data from a storage medium included in the mobile device and restoring a default configuration of the mobile device.

The techniques described in this specification can be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. For example, the techniques can be implemented such that the location of a lost mobile device can be remotely requested and acquired. The techniques also can be implemented to permit transmitting one or more remote commands to a mobile device using a store and forward message framework. The remote commands can include a message command, a locate command, a sound command, and a wipe command. Further, a PubSub model can be employed to facilitate communications between a command application and a mobile device, such that the mobile device can access a subscribed node when data communications are available. Additionally, the techniques can be implemented to permit transmitting information and/or acknowledgement messages from the mobile device in response to a remote command. The techniques also can be implemented such that a communication node monitored by a mobile device can be automatically created when the associated mobile device account is created. The techniques further can be implemented to permit delivering a remote command to a mobile device and receiving a response from the mobile device in near real-time.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary computing environment that includes mobile devices and a notification server.

FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram describing an exemplary process for linking a mobile device with a remote management account.

FIGS. 9-10 show exemplary user interfaces depicting the location reported by a mobile device in response to a locate command.

FIG. 11 shows a mobile device displaying an exemplary message in response to a message command.

FIG. 12 shows a flow diagram describing an exemplary process for processing a remote command message by a mobile device.

Like reference symbols indicate like elements throughout the specification and drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary computing environment that includes mobile devices and a notification server. A communication network 105 connects the devices and applications hosted in the computing environment 100. The communication network 105 can be any type of network, including a local area network (“LAN”), such as an intranet, and a wide area network (“WAN”), such as the internet. Further, the communication network 105 can be a public network, a private network, or a combination thereof. The communication network 105 also can be implemented using any type or types of physical media, including wired communication paths and wireless communication paths associated with multiple service providers. Additionally, the communication network 105 can be configured to support the transmission of messages formatted using a variety of protocols.

A user station 110 can be configured to operate in the computing environment 100. The user station 110 can be any computing device that can be configured to communicate with a web-enabled application, such as through a web browser. For example, the user station 110 can be a personal computing device, such as a desktop or workstation, or a portable computing device, such as a laptop or smart phone. The user station 110 can include an input interface through which one or more inputs can be received. For example, the input interface can include one or more of a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a trackball, a touch pad, a touch screen, and a microphone. The user station 110 also can include an output interface through which output can be presented, including one or more of a display, one or more speakers, and a haptic interface.

The user station 110 further can include a network connection to the communication network 105. The network connection can be implemented through a wired or wireless interface, and can support bi-directional communication between the user station 110 and one or more other computing devices over the communication network 105. Also, the user station 110 includes an interface application, such as a web browser or custom application, for communicating with a web-enabled application.

An application server 115 also can be configured to operate in the computing environment 100. The application server 115 can be any computing device that can be configured to host one or more applications. For example, the application server 115 can be a server, a workstation, or a personal computer. In some implementations, the application server 115 can be configured as a collection of computing devices, e.g. servers, sited in one or more locations. The application server 115 can include an input interface through which one or more inputs can be received. For example, the input interface can include one or more of a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a trackball, a touch pad, a touch screen, and a microphone. The application server 115 also can include an output interface through which output can be presented, including one or more of a display, a haptic interface, and one or more speakers.

The application server 115 further can include a network connection to the communication network 105. The network connection can be implemented through a wired or wireless interface, and can support bi-directional communication between the application server 115 and one or more other computing devices over the communication network 105. Further, the application server 115 can be configured to host one or more applications. For example, the application server 115 can be configured to host a remote management application that facilitates communication with one or more mobile devices associated with an account. The mobile devices and the application server 115 can operate within a remote management framework to execute remote management functions. The application server 115 also can be configured to host a notification service application configured to support bi-directional communication over the communication network 105 between multiple communication devices included in the computing system 100. For example, the notification service application can permit a variety of messages to be transmitted and received by multiple computing devices.

In some implementations, the notification service can include a defined namespace, in which a unique command collection topic can be created for each subscribing mobile device. A unique identifier can be used to associate a subscribing mobile device with the corresponding command collection topic, such as an assigned number or address. The unique identifier also can be embedded in a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) that is associated with a subscribed command collection topic. Further, one or more command nodes can be created below a command collection topic, such that each command node corresponds to a particular remote command type. For example, a command collection topic can include a separate command node for each of: locate commands, message commands, sound commands, directory listing commands, file retrieval commands, and wipe commands.

Through the use of separate command nodes, multiple commands can be transmitted to a mobile device substantially simultaneously. In some implementations, if multiple commands are received in a command collection topic, server time stamps can be compared to determine an order of execution. In some other implementations, an order of command execution can be determined based on command type. For example, if a wipe command is received in conjunction with one or more other remote commands, the wipe command can be performed last.

Through the notification service, a publisher, such as a remote management application, can publish a remote command message to a command collection topic that is associated with a particular mobile device. When a remote command message is published to the command collection topic, a notification message can be transmitted to the subscribing mobile device. The mobile device can then access the subscribed topic and retrieve one or more published messages. Thus, communication between the publisher and the mobile device can be decoupled. Further, the remote command message can be published to the appropriate command node of the command collection topic. Additionally, a mobile device receiving a remote command message can publish a response to a result topic hosted by the notification service. A publisher, such as a remote management application, can subscribe to the result topic and can receive any published response messages.

Further, the computing environment 100 can include one or more mobile devices, such as a mobile telephone 120, a digital media player 125, and a laptop computer 130. Each of the mobile devices included in the computing environment 100 can include a network interface configured to establish a connection to the communication network 105. For example, the mobile telephone 120 can establish a cellular (e.g., 3G or 4G) network connection that provides data access to the communication network 105. Further, the digital media player 125 can establish an IEEE 802.11 (i.e., Wi-Fi or WLAN) network connection to the communication network 105. Also, the laptop computer 130 can be configured to establish a connection to the communication network 105 based on either or both of the IEEE 802.16 (i.e., wireless broadband or WiBB) and the IEEE 802.11 standards.

Each of the mobile devices 120, 125, and 130 also can be configured to communicate with the notification service application hosted by the application server 115 to publish and receive messages. Further, each of the mobile devices 120, 125, and 130 can be configured to execute a remote management application or a remote management function responsive to a remote command received through the notification service application. In some implementations, the remote management application can be integrated with the operating system of the mobile device.

A mobile device can execute a remote command to perform one or more associated functions. For example, the remote commands can include locate commands, message commands, sound commands, directory listing commands, file retrieval commands, and wipe commands. Some remote commands can be used to output a notification from a mobile device. For example, a sound command can cause a mobile device to output an auditory alert. Further, a message command can be used to present a text-based message on the display of a mobile device. Some other remote commands can be used to perform file-based functions. For example, a wipe command can be used to delete one or more items of data stored on the mobile device. A directory listing command can cause a mobile device to return data identifying all, or a portion of, the file directory structure associated with the storage of the mobile device. Additionally, a file retrieval command can be used to retrieve a copy of one or more files from a mobile device. Still other remote commands can be used to monitor a mobile device. For example, a locate command can cause a mobile device to transmit a message indicating its location at the time the locate command is executed. Further, a usage command can cause a mobile device to transmit a message identifying usage data for a period of time, such as calls placed or received. The period of time can be predetermined or can be specified in the usage command.

Additionally, each of the mobile devices 120, 125, and 130 can include an input interface through which one or more inputs can be received. For example, the input interface can include one or more of a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a trackball, a touch pad, a keypad, a touch screen, a scroll wheel, general and special purpose buttons, a stylus, and a microphone. Each of the mobile devices 120, 125, and 130 also can include an output interface through which output can be presented, including one or more of a display, one or more speakers, and a haptic interface. Further, a location interface, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) processor, also can be included in one or more of the mobile devices 120, 125, and 130 to provide location information, e.g., an indication of current location. In some implementations, general or special purpose processors included in one or more of the mobile devices 120, 125, and 130 can be configured to perform location estimation, such as through base station triangulation.

FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram describing an exemplary process for linking a mobile device with a remote management account. A mobile device can be linked with any remote management account to which the mobile device owner has access. In some implementations, a mobile device can be linked with only one remote management account at a time. Thus, in order to establish a link between a mobile device and a remote management account, any previous link with a different remote management account must be broken. Alternatively, the act of linking a mobile device with a remote management account can cause any previous link with a different remote management account to be broken. In some implementations, a link between a mobile device and a corresponding remote management account also can be broken without establishing a link with a new remote management account. For example, if a mobile device is being sold or otherwise transferred to a new owner, the link between the mobile device and the existing remote management account can be broken. The mobile device subsequently can be linked to a remote management account associated with the new owner. However, a mobile device cannot be remotely managed when it is not linked with a remote management account.

In order to establish a link with a remote management account, a remote management application can be initialized on the mobile device (205). A remote management application can be included on the mobile device as part of the operating system or as a preinstalled application. Alternatively, the remote management application can be downloaded and installed by a user. Once initialized, the remote management application can cause the mobile device to establish a connection to a corresponding remote management server.

Access information can be provided to the remote management server to identify the remote management account to which the mobile device is to be linked (210). For example, a username and password corresponding to a remote management account can be entered, such as in response to a prompt by the server. The username and password can uniquely identify a remote management account hosted by the remote management server. Any unique identifier can be used to indicate a specific remote management account hosted by the remote management server.

Information uniquely identifying the mobile device further can be obtained by the remote management server (215). In some implementations, a serial number, a telephone number, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, a Media Access Control (MAC) address, an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), or other such identifier can be used to identify the mobile device. In some other implementations, the information identifying the mobile device can be a unique device identifier (UDID), which can be a hash, e.g. generated using a Secure Hash Algorithm, of hardware identifiers associated with the mobile device. Further, the unique identifier can be obtained from the mobile device automatically. Thus, data entry errors can be avoided. Once identified, the mobile device can be associated with the remote management account (220).

Further, the mobile device can subscribe to a command collection topic (225). The command collection topic can be specific to the mobile device, such that only messages intended for the mobile device are published to the command collection topic. Also, access to the command channel topic can be granted only to the mobile device, which can authenticate with the notification service based on the previously determined unique identifier. In some implementations, the notification service can be hosted on the remote management server. In other implementations, the notification service can be hosted on one or more servers separate from the remote management server. When the mobile device subscribes to the command collection topic, one or more command nodes (or child nodes) can be created to receive messages published by the notification service. For example, the command collection topic can include a command node for each type of remote command message that the mobile device can receive, such as locate commands, sound commands, message commands, screen lock commands, directory listing commands, file retrieval commands, and wipe commands.

Additionally, it can be determined whether one or more remote management settings associated with the mobile device are to be changed (230). The remote management functions associated with the mobile device initially can be configured in accordance with default settings. For example, one or more of the remote management commands, such as the wipe and sound commands, can be enabled by default, while one or more other remote management commands, such as the locate command, can be disabled by default. A remote management command will not be executed by the mobile device unless it has been enabled. Accordingly, the mobile device owner's privacy can be protected in the default mobile device configuration because location information cannot be remotely obtained from the mobile device. Further, in some implementations, one or more of the remote management commands, e.g. the message command, can be permanently enabled, such that a mobile device owner cannot disable the command.

At the time the mobile device is associated with a remote management account, the mobile device owner can be prompted to review the remote command settings. If the mobile device owner elects not to change the remote command settings, the initialization process can be terminated. Alternatively, if the mobile device owner elects to change the remote command settings, the current remote command settings can be displayed so that the mobile device owner can alter one or more of the remote management settings (235). For example, the mobile device owner can provide input to enable the locate command so that the mobile device can be remotely located.

In some implementations, the remote command settings can be accessed at any time through an operating system menu item, such as preferences or contacts. Alternatively or additionally, the remote command settings can be accessed through the remote management application. Once the remote command settings have been set, the initialization process can be terminated.

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram describing an exemplary process for remotely commanding a mobile device. A remote management application can be configured to remotely command one or more linked mobile devices by publishing remote command messages to a notification service. In some implementations, the remote management application can be a web-based application hosted on one or more servers.

A remote management account owner can login to a remote management account by accessing the remote management application and providing login credentials, such as a username and password (305). A remote management account can be established through a registration process at any time, even if no mobile devices are being linked with the account. In some implementations, the login process can be secured, such as by encrypting one or more items of login information or by establishing a secured connection. Further, in some implementations, additional or different login credentials can be required in order to access a remote management account.

Once access to a remote management account has been granted, a list of mobile devices linked with the remote management account can be presented (310). The list of mobile devices identifies each of the managed devices associated with the remote management account. Each mobile device can be uniquely identified through one or more items of information, including one or more of an icon identifying the device, a device type, a model, a serial number, a telephone number, and a nickname. Further, the list of mobile devices also can indicate, for each device, whether the device is currently reachable or online. If a mobile device associated with the account has been wiped, the mobile device can be displayed in the list of mobile devices with an indication that the device can no longer be managed. In some implementations, a mobile device also can be associated with a remote management account through the account interface, such as during account registration.

A mobile device can be selected from the list of managed devices (315). For example, the account owner can select a mobile device that has been misplaced. The mobile device can be selected by clicking on a corresponding icon or item of information included in the list of managed devices. One or more remote commands available for the selected mobile device also can be presented (320). In some implementations, all remote commands can be presented along with indicators identifying which remote commands have been enabled for the mobile device. In some other implementations, only the remote commands that have been enable are presented. Further, in some implementations, one or more remote commands also can